The Allegany County Legislature Monday afternoon voted 10-3 to extend the local 1.5% sale tax. The state legislature must now approve the action. It wasn't a unanimous vote. Lawmakers Karl Graves, Scott Burt and Dave Decker rejected the notion. During an interview this afternoon, legislator Scott Burt said he's a "regular person"...a "common voter." He said "we can do better with the amount of money we're spending." In the past, Burt has suggested reducing the 1.5% sales tax extension to 1.25%. His plan never gained traction. Burt says he is always told..."next time."
Two Florida vacation lawmakers were absent for todays vote. They were Dwight Fanton and Norm Ungermann.
Karl Graves had spoken out against the sale tax extension. Legislator Dave Decker was unavailable for comment.
County records show that the sales tax extension brings in an additional $6.4 million in revenue.
